Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez reminds him of Arsenal hero Ian Wright.
Alexis Sanchez: Reminds Arsene Wenger of Ian Wright
Arsenal manager Wenger says the Chilean’s work-rate and the enthusiastic personality – on and off the pitch – will keep Arsenal firing this season in the same way as former club favourite Wright used to do at Highbury.
Sanchez has been forced to sit out the last two matches because of a hamstring strain, and Wenger admitted the industry of the forward was missed as his side went down 2-1 in Saturday's north London derby at Tottenham.
The 26-year-old, who has plundered 18 goals since a £32m summer move from Barcelona, is expected to be back in the side for Tuesday night's visit of Premier League strugglers Leicester.
Wenger revealed Sanchez has been just as big an influence in the dressing room as on the pitch, reminding him of the personality of Wright, who helped drive the Gunners to the 1998 Double and broke Cliff Bastin's goalscoring record along the way.
"Alexis is more with the Spanish players of course, but he is loved by everybody. He is very friendly and bubbly every day," said Wenger.
"He is a bit like Ian Wright, with his enthusiasm. Alexis is quieter than Ian Wright – but that is not difficult and he doesn't get booked!
"He is dynamic and does both parts of the game, he wins you the ball back quickly as well, so the transitions are very good from defence to attack and attack to defence. He is important in the team because of that."
Wenger revealed Sanchez was desperate to play through the pain barrier, but insisted there must always be a long-term view weighed up against any potential short-term gain.
"It was difficult for him not to play. If it was the last game of the season he would have played," said Wenger, who expects to be without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for at least another two weeks because of an inflamed groin problem.
"Alexis had a bit of a winter break now that he didn't really want, but he got one and I think he will now be recovered and fit until the end of the season.
"For us it is important that he has no setback as once you go into February, if you have a muscular injury and a guy has a setback, you say 'bye bye' as the season is over as it is six weeks out.
"By the time you come back to your full level it is April and that is why we didn't take the gamble."